Recently I've been thinking that yes, I enjoy sharing my style and personal work with you all, but I also feel that I have a lot to offer as far as my experiences as an architecture student and that's something valuable to be shared!

Today I wanted to give a few of my own tips for how to stay motivated in architecture school specifically, but these may work for other majors as well! But first, I'd like to explain how I came around to forming these tips:

Up until this quarter of school (I'm a third year in my third quarter) I never had a problem with motivation. I didn't think twice about spending my days in studio, only to return that night after dinner to work again. However, a few weeks ago I admittedly hit a blockade. It was the first time that I had ever questioned my major and I felt very bored and uninspired with what I was doing.

At first I didn't know how to handle this. I was in a rut I had never been in before, and it was negatively affecting my studio work. My work was underdeveloped and missing the usual love my projects get. I knew I had to shake off this funk a.s.a.p. and for me the solution was to turn to my sketchbook and create some motivational tips for myself. I can happily say that I've come around and am back to being excited about my project and architecture. I realize I'm
still not at 100% of my usual architectural high, but considering I'll be going abroad in the fall for a year, I don't really have worries about getting re-inspired.

Anyways, lets get to the tips! Of course these were tailored to my own workflow and mindset, and I think every architecture student would care to give you their own advice, but I would like to share mine in case it helps just one person out!

1 // Work in a place where others are working

This tip is number one because it's the best advice I can give. If you are surrounded by people that are working, you're far more likely to do the same. This is why "studio culture" is so infamous. Studio is a place where you're guaranteed to find people in the same boat as you, working towards solving the same problems. You're also more likely to not miss out on a due date or learn from your peers if you are in studio. I do know a few people who work better at home, but personally being at home makes me feel more singled out and alone in my work. In studio I feel like part of a team of people working towards the same goal. P.S. Coffee shops are great work environments as well! My favorite one is pictured above.

personal work
2 // Don't compare yourself to anyone but you

It can be very easy to get unmotivated if you're always admiring the work of others and comparing it to your own. Instead I would suggest observing others work as just that, an observation. Learn from it and understand why its working well, and think about how you can apply the same principals to your own work. Copying someone or devaluing your own work won't get you anywhere productive or positive. Think of yourself as your biggest competitor. Each time you begin a new project (or even a phase within the same project) set your standards to yourself and no one else, because that's all that matters!

3 // Be flexible

This tip is about being realistic. If you're feeling unmotivated because you've got a ton of work to do, you just need to realize that's just how it goes sometimes. Be flexible in your thinking. At the start of the new week, keep in mind that there could be long nights in store. Approach that week with a positive attitude, and realize that once your work is done you will be able to take a nice break. A teacher once told me that rephrasing your statements can change your outlook on a project. Rather than saying "Ugh, I have to complete 5 drawings this week," instead say "Yeah, I get to complete 5 drawings this week." Just changing your attitude can make a huge difference, and also reminds you of how good you have it. Being a student is an awesome privilege!

4 // Check out the Pomodoro Method

I can't speak at great lengths about this technique because I've just recently learned about it, but I've heard good things and can imagine it has great results. You can learn more about it on their website but it is basically a time management skill of working hard for 25 minutes, and then taking a 5 minute break afterwards. Especially because architecture students do most work on a computer these days, we all get easily distracted by Facebook, Pinterest, our favorite blogs, etc. I can see this method being a great help to stay on task, and to enjoy those fun websites or getting outdoors during your 5 minute break.

5 // Think at different scales

This tip can be applied both physically and mentally. Let's start with the physical. Changing up your work and alternating between different scales can be a great way to strengthen your project. If you've been focusing on small details for a while, take a step back and look at how the big picture is working. After you've done that for a while, switch. I'm speaking the direct wisdom gained from my current studio professor here, but working at the macro and micro scale is a big help to your project and keeps your mind and ideas active so you don't go down a path of frustration.

As far as mentally, sometimes you need to either look at the bigger or smaller picture. Looking at the big picture is good to remind yourself of why you are doing what you are and what your goals are. It will push you to do your best to have a strong portfolio down the road to get you where you want to go. However, try not to get lost in the clouds. I've spent some good hours daydreaming about what I want to be doing in a few years when I could have been more productive. Yes it is great to have goals and reflect on them, but I have to remind myself to stay in the present and focus on the task at hand to make it successful.

drawing by LTL Architects

6 // Get inspired

Sometimes I think we all need to realize that setting aside some time to browse and get inspired is nothing to feel guilty about. It can kickstart you again and remind you why you're doing what you are whether that be learning architecture or any other subject! I mentioned above that Pinterest can be a distraction, but it can also be a great tool! In the past 2 quarters I have found amazing architectural drawings on there that I've learned from and been inspired by that I've saved and keep going back to whenever necessary. The knowledge I've gained from them have made the browsing time totally worth it.

That's all I've got for now! I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful or interesting at the least. If you're on the hunt for more tips, I suggest this tumblr that has become pretty popular because its full of great tips and knowledge. They also have a post specifically about staying motivated/inspired if you want more.